Up to now, so good for George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys. Whereas head coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted Pickens is enjoying catch-up, traded from Pittsburgh two weeks in the past, he’s making a optimistic impression on his new staff.
“He’s clearly an amazing athlete, however I really like watching him in conferences,” Schottenheimer instructed reporters by way of ESPN Cowboys beat author Todd Archer. “As a result of in conferences, he’s been so dialed in, taking nice notes.”
Pickens was traded by Pittsburgh largely for his lack of professionalism. There have been by no means any studies of him being problematic in conferences, however he was reportedly continually late for staff occasions, together with video games. His brief mood on the sector additionally proved a difficulty, resulting in expensive penalties.
Getting into the ultimate yr of his rookie take care of no probability of being re-signed, the Steelers dealt Pickens to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round decide. The groups additionally swapped Day 3 choices in 2027.
Dallas is relying on Pickens being the mannequin citizen he wasn’t in Pittsburgh. Pickens has incentive to have his finest season on and off the sector. An enormous yr may result in a giant payday, both re-signing with the Cowboys or hitting the open market as an ultra-talented receiver within the prime of his profession. A sizzling receiver market may see Pickens command greater than $30 million per season.
In fact, Pickens is within the honeymoon section with Dallas. Issues may change the primary time he doesn’t get the ball or a defender tries to rattle him. In one of many greatest media markets and staff ESPN likes to cowl 24/7, it’s unlikely Pickens will get via the complete season with out an incident. The query is what number of he’ll have and the way distracting they’ll be. Schottenheimer has lots on his plate as a first-time head coach however was employed due to his good relationships with coaches and gamers.
For now, Pickens will take issues one observe at a time. In a brand new jersey quantity, evidently, sporting No. 13 throughout spring practices. The quantity seems momentary however maybe a contemporary set of digits paired along with his contemporary begin will do Pickens – and the Cowboys – loads of good.
